The VisitWoods project is closing

VisitWoods began in 2008 with the aim of bringing together information about woods that are open to the public and inspiring people about visiting woods. The project was funded by the Big Lottery Fund (administered by Natural England) for 5 years and is coming to an end on 31st December 2013.

Information on publicly accessible woodland will become available on the Woodland Trust’s new website as ‘Visiting Woods’. The site currently features Woodland Trust woods only but will feature woods owned by organisations other than the Woodland Trust in the future.

Promoting woods and nature

VisitWoods has been at the forefront of promoting the benefits of woodland, from the natural wonders of spring bluebells, to the splendour of autumn colour. We have the largest database of publicly accessible bluebell woods in the UK! The project has worked with health partners, especially in dementia and autism, to highlight the powerful effects of time spent in woods. Our outreach work with youth leaders, people living in deprived areas (East Durham) and people with dementia and autism has benefitted over 10,000 people.

The project team has created lively and engaging web features and downloadable resources to inspire visitors. In return, you have shared 40,000 photographs, 8,000 comments and 40,000 wood features and interacted enthusiastically on social media. Unfortunately we can no longer accept your uploaded content.

VisitWoods' legacy

The legacy of VisitWoods is felt by those who have discovered woodland, been trained to lead youth groups or learned how time spent in woodland can benefit themselves and others. The project leaves an impression on policy makers in government and in NGOs which is sure to take the argument for increasing and protecting woodland further.

The good news is that information on publicly accessible woodland will become available on the Woodland Trust’s new website as ‘Visiting Woods’. The site currently features Woodland Trust woods but will feature woods owned by organisations other than the Woodland Trust, so you can continue to discover woods near you.

Thank you for supporting VisitWoods.

Here’s how to find help

For more information about a specific wood please visit the landowner's website. A link to the landowner's website, if available, is on each wood page just under the blue 'join in' box.

What is this plant/fungus/bird etc?

Problems in a wood

I have a question for a landowner

Wood pages have links to the landowner's website (where available). Check out their website before making contact to see if the answer is already available. Alternatively, use the 'Question about this wood?' link and your message will be forwarded if possible. We are unable to forward questions about some woods - usually labelled 'a privately owned (open to the public) wood'.

Information about the Woodland Trust, including the Green Tree Award

More answers...

I went to a wood featured on VisitWoods and it was closed. How do I report this?

The landowner may close a wood permanently or temporarily (eg for shooting or tree felling) at any time. Please contact the landowner to enquire and obey any signs at the wood for your own safety.

I don't think this wood should be on VisitWoods. Can you remove it?

The landowner may close a wood permanently or temporarily (eg for shooting or tree felling) at any time. Please obey any signs at the wood for your own safety.

A wood will typically be removed only where:

• Access is not permitted or possible• The landowner no longer wishes to be included• The site is no longer in receipt of a grant that specifies public access• There is a health and safety issue that cannot be resolved

If you believe a wood should not be listed on VisitWoods please contact us. There are various checks and processes that need to take place before we can remove the wood but we will work as swiftly as possible to address your concerns, especially where public safety may be an issue.

I’ve heard about a condition that can affect dogs after visiting woodland. Do you have any more information?

The Animal Health Trust has a dedicated website on Seasonal Canine Illness. It is unclear what causes this illness which affects dogs. If you have concerns about your dog, you should always take them to a vet to be checked immediately.